The Biggest Mistakes (and What To Do Instead)
- Sounding unprepared
- Have your UCAS ID, full name, date of birth, grades (by subject), and course codes in front of you.
- Keep a ranked shortlist of courses and why you want each.
- Not matching entry requirements
- Check grade and subject requirements on the university site or UCAS before calling.
- If you’re short by one grade, prepare clear evidence of strength elsewhere (e.g., EPQ, relevant work, strong GCSEs).
- Waffling or oversharing
- Stick to a tight structure: who you are, your grades, the course, why you’re a fit, and your question.
- Panic agreeing to something you don’t understand
- Ask about conditions, deadlines, documents, accommodation, and finance before accepting.
- Poor phone etiquette
- Speak clearly, slow down, smile (it helps your tone), and use the staff member’s name.
- No paper trail
- Note time, name, role, key details, and next steps. Send a brief confirmation email if invited to.
- Calling at the worst times
- Best windows are early morning, just after lunch, and late afternoon; avoid mid-morning peak right after results drop.
- Ignoring alternative course routes
- Ask about foundation years, year-in-industry, or related degrees that let you transfer later.
- Not preparing a 30-second “why this course”
- Have a punchy reason aligned to modules, facilities, or career links.
Your Ready-to-Use Phone Scripts
Initial Clearing Enquiry (Core Script)
- Opener
- “Hello, my name is [Full Name], UCAS ID [########]. I’m calling about Clearing for [Course Title and UCAS code] starting this September.”
- Your results
- “I’ve achieved [A-level/BTEC/IB results listed clearly: e.g., A in Biology, B in Chemistry, B in Maths].”
- Fit + interest (20–30 seconds)
- “I’m particularly interested in [specific module/facility/placement partner] because [short reason linked to your experience or career aim].”
- The ask
- “Could you please tell me if there are places available and whether I meet the entry requirements?”
- If positive
- “Great—what are the next steps and deadlines? Do you need my UCAS ID now, and can I take your name to note the details?”
- Close
- “Thank you, [Name]. I’ll follow the steps immediately. Is there an email I should use if you need supporting information?”
If You’re One Grade Short (Mitigation Script)
- “I can see I’m one grade below your standard offer. I’ve achieved [grades], completed [EPQ/relevant project/work experience], and achieved [strong GCSEs/IB HLs]. Would you consider my application in light of this profile or for a related programme (e.g., foundation year)?”
If They Offer a Related Course
- “Thank you. If I start on [related/foundation] this year, what is the process and typical success rate for progressing to [target course] after Year 1?”
If Lines Are Busy (Voicemail)
- “Hello, this is [Full Name], UCAS ID [########], calling about Clearing for [Course]. I achieved [grades]. I’m very interested due to [one sentence fit]. My number is [mobile]. I’ll also email the department. Thank you.”
Follow-Up Email (After a Call)
- Subject: “Clearing – [Your Name], UCAS ID [########], [Course]”
- Body bullets:
- Thank them by name and time of call
- Restate grades and course
- One-sentence fit
- Attach any requested documents
- Ask for confirmation of next steps and deadlines
Quick Call Prep Checklist
- UCAS ID, personal details, and contact number ready
- Exact grades per subject (plus EPQ or key projects)
- Ranked list of courses with entry requirements
- 30-second “why this course at your uni”
- Questions on conditions, deadlines, accommodation, and finance
- Notepad to log name, time, outcomes, next steps
Smart Questions That Impress
- “Do you consider applicants who narrowly miss the standard offer if they show strength in [EPQ/subjects/work experience]?”
- “What are typical first-year modules and assessment styles?”
- “Are there placements or study-abroad options tied to this course?”
- “When does accommodation allocation close for Clearing students?”
- “What’s the deadline for adding the offer in UCAS Hub?”
Rapid Objection Handling
- “You’re one grade short.”
- Acknowledge, present strengths, ask about flexibility or alternative routes.
- “Course is full.”
- Ask about waitlists, related degrees, foundation year, or mid-August movement.
- “Call back later.”
- Confirm best time, note staff name, and set a reminder. Have your email drafted.
Tone, Pace, and Delivery Tips
- Stand up while calling; it improves energy and clarity.
- Smile—your tone becomes warmer and more confident.
- Keep sentences short; pause after key facts.
- Mirror the staff member’s pace and formality.
Mini “Read-Off” Scripts You Can Keep Open
- Grades line
- “I achieved [subject–grade, subject–grade, subject–grade], plus [EPQ/Project: grade/topic].”
- Fit line
- “I’m drawn to your [module/facility/placement] because it aligns with my interest in [field/career].”
- Next-steps line
- “Could you confirm the conditions, the deadline, and any documents you need from me today?”
Post-Call Actions
- Update your call log with name, role, time, outcome, and next steps.
- Send a short confirmation email if invited.
- Log in to UCAS Hub and complete any add-course steps by the stated deadline.
- Apply for accommodation immediately if instructed.
FAQs (Optimized for Search)
- What should I have in front of me before calling?
UCAS ID, grades per subject, course codes, and a 30-second reason for fit. - What if I miss the standard offer by one grade?
Present compensating strengths and ask about flexibility or foundation routes. - Can I hold multiple verbal offers?
You can explore options by phone, but only one choice can be added in UCAS Hub—confirm deadlines before deciding. - Is email better than phone?
Phone is fastest on results day; use email to confirm details if invited. - How do I avoid sounding nervous?
Script your opener, breathe, slow down, and practice twice—RevisionDojo recommends a 60-second rehearsal.
